Health notes
Two surgeons will discuss heart valve issues
Join Morton Plant Mease cardiovascular surgeons Dr. John Ofenloch and Dr. Joshua Rovin, physician members of the Morton Plant Hospital Valve Clinic team, to learn more about treating heart valve disease and a new innovation in heart valve procedures called transcatheter aortic valve replacement surgery at noon Wednesday in the Grand Room of the Aging Well Center, 1501 N Belcher Road, Clearwater.
TAVR is a breakthrough treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis, previously considered inoperable. Aortic stenosis is a disease process that affects the aortic valve of the heart. In the later stages of the disease, the valve does not properly open and close, causes the heart to work harder to push blood through the calcified aortic valve, weakens the heart’s muscles and increases the patient’s risk for heart failure.
For seminar preregistration, call (727) 953-6877.
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Dr. Paul Arnold, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a board-certified urologist with Urology Specialists of West Florida, joins other leading urological specialists from Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins who have been among the first to use the T-1470 ProTouch Laser Diode System.
“He was the first physician in the southeast to use this new technology during surgery June 7 at Florida Hospital North Pinellas in Tarpon Springs,” said Jennifer DeCurtis, the hospital’s director of marketing and public relations.
The T-1470 Laser is used for lithotripsy procedures as well as for benign prostate hyperplasia, urethra concerns and other soft tissue-related urological issues.
For the patient, the T-1470 Laser greatly reduces post-surgical bladder irritations and complications. Additionally, it weighs only 58 pounds and uses 110 volt current, in comparison to other systems weighing close to 400 pounds and using specialized electric current.
“I am thrilled to be able to utilize this innovative new technology for the care of my patients,” Arnold said. “It is truly a technological breakthrough for urological care.”
Arnold is vice chief of staff for Florida Hospital North Pinellas, where he was previously chief of surgery. He is certified by the American Board of Urology and the American College of Surgeons.
He earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa. He went on to complete surgical and urological residencies at Ohio State University. Arnold maintains membership in a number of professional organizations, such as the American Urological Association, the Endourological Society, the Tampa Bay Urologic Association and the American Association of Clinical Urologists Inc.
Seminars, classes and support groups
Saturday
Slow Movement Tai Chi: Slow-movement tai chi, while listed as a martial art, is an ancient integrated body and mind exercise directed more at improving fitness levels and is beneficial to all age groups. The gentle movements are particularly well suited for older muscles and joints. Cost is $3 with a Clearwater Parks Recreation Play Pass; $5 without. 9:30 a.m., Aging Well Center, 1501 N Belcher Road, Clearwater. (727) 724-3070. www.myclearwater.com/agingwell
Breast at the Beach: Special pink menu and pink beer, raffles for Clearwater Beach hotels and vendors. Benefits the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Free. 11 a.m., Crabby Bill’s (Beachwalk), 333 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach. (727) 487-2604. www.crabbybills.com
Sunday
I Love Father’s Day 5K: This is a great way for the family to come out and celebrate Father’s Day. This event is geared for all types of runners. A breakfast is served afterward. Register online. $5-$18. 8 a.m., John Chesnut Sr. Park , 2200 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor. (727) 669-1951. www.active.com/running/palm-harbor-fl/i-love-fathers-day-2012
Monday
Babysitting Summer Camp: This weeklong camp for ages 11 to 13 teaches adolescents necessary babysitting skills through hands-on practice, interactive learning and role-playing. By the end of camp, children will earn their Safe Sitter certificate of completion. $65 for residents and $81.25 for nonresidents. 9 a.m., Largo Community Center, 400 Alt. Keene Road, Largo. (727) 518-3125. LargoCamps.com
Itty Bitty Splashtime: Parents and caregivers can enjoy the companionship of other parents and caregivers while their children ages 5 and younger enjoy the pool’s splash area. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. $1.50. 9:45 a.m., Highland Recreation Complex and Family Aquatic Center, 400 Highland Ave. NE, Largo. (727) 518-3016. www.largo.com/department/division.php?fDD=13-61
Slow Movement Tai Chi: Slow-movement tai chi, while listed as a martial art, is an ancient integrated body and mind exercise directed more at improving fitness levels and is beneficial to all age groups. The gentle movements are particularly well-suited for older muscles and joints. $3 with a Clearwater Parks Recreation Play Pass; $5 without. 2 p.m., Aging Well Center, 1501 N Belcher Road, Clearwater. (727) 724-3070. www.myclearwater.com/agingwell
Recurring
Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group: 9:30 a.m. Mondays, the Centre, 1500 16th St., Palm Harbor. Free. (727) 787-1837.
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, (727) 501-2125, and 8:30 a.m. Saturdays, (727) 786-3113. Both at Clearwater Community Church, Room 103, 2897 Belcher Road, Dunedin. Donations accepted. Visit foodaddicts.com.
Celiac Support Group: Celiac disease, an intestinal disorder, affects one out of every 133 people. Although there is no cure, it can be controlled by following a gluten-free diet. Some find that going gluten-free is not as easy as it sounds. A support group can help. 10 a.m. the third Saturday of every month at Mease Countryside Hospital, Meeting Rooms 1, 2 and 3, 3231 McMullen-Booth Road, Safety Harbor. Call (727) 734-0561 or email bkelly1@ tampabay.rr.com.
Mid-Pinellas Brain Trauma Support Group: 6:30 p.m. the first and third Thursday of every month, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Christian Life Enrichment Center, Room 201, second floor, 1498 Rosery Road, Largo. Call (727) 442-1819. Visit midpinellas braintraumasupportgroup.com.
Recovery International: Abraham Low Self-Help System, a support group designed for people suffering from anxiety, panic attacks and symptoms caused by fear and anger, meets at these upcoming times and locations:
• 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Lakeview Community Church, 475 East Lake Road N, East Lake. (727) 942-4095.
• 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Grace Lutheran, 1812 N Highland Ave., Clearwater. (727) 942-9008.
• 10 a.m. Saturdays, St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1199 Highland Ave. NE, Largo. (727) 586-2585, or leave a message at (727) 525-1749.
The support group is free, but offerings are appreciated.
Nar-Anon Family Group: Meetings are at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Mondays, except holidays, at Crystal Beach Community Center, 517 Crystal Beach Ave.; 8 p.m. Tuesdays at First United Methodist Church, Educational Building, second floor in “the Parlor,” 421 Main St., Dunedin; and 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Annex, Open Arms Resource Center, 1897 Highland Ave., Largo. Call toll-free 1-888-947-8885. Visit naranonfl.org.
Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS):
• 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays at Heritage United Methodist Church, Room 11, 2680 Landmark Drive, Clearwater. First meeting is free. (727) 726-2681.
• 9 to 11 a.m. Thursdays at Union Street United Methodist Church, Choir Room, 1625 Union St., Clearwater. Call (727) 461-7101. Email boots@tampabay.rr.com.
• 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Thursdays at First Baptist Church of Ozona-Palm Harbor, 610 Pennsylvania Ave., Ozona. The group meets in the building in the back. Call (727) 786-1484 or (727) 785-9564.
Send health news to us at 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756, fax to (727) 445-4119 or email nbeall@tampabay.com.